Expansion planning for wireless network

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and system for planning an expansion of a constantly changing wireless network. Node parameters of networks nodes of the wireless network are stored in a database ( 109 ). The network is monitored by regularly reading node specific data stored at the network nodes, and the database ( 109 ) is constantly updated according to determined node changes. Based on the constantly updated node parameters a combined coverage area achieved by the network nodes is calculated. Thereby, the actual network coverage is available at any given point in time to plan network changes, to understand how good the coverage is in a particular area, and to make marketing and business decisions.

1 - 17 . (Cancelled).  
     
     
         18 . A method of planning an expansion of a constantly changing wireless network, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a) storing node parameters of networks nodes of said wireless network in a database;    b) monitoring said wireless network by regularly reading node specific data stored at said network nodes;    c) constantly updating said database according to node changes determined in said monitoring step, said updating comprising updating new network nodes into said database; and    d) dynamically calculating based on said constantly updated node parameters a combined coverage area achieved by said network nodes of said wireless network, wherein said calculation is based on a concept of finding geographical points having a line-of-sight to at least one of said network nodes.    
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of 
 using said combined coverage area and/or customer purchase decisions for deciding on an installation of a new network node.    
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said node specific data comprise the name, geographical data and link statistics of the respective one of said network nodes.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20 , wherein said link statistics comprise information of all possible links in the neighbourhood of said respective one of said network nodes.  
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of 
 using said combined coverage area for generating a customer address information.    
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said address information is generated by using reverse geocoding.  
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said node parameters comprise coordinates and/or performance data of said network nodes.  
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said determination step is based on a calculation of geographical points having a line of sight to at least one of said network nodes.  
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein said calculation is a viewshed calculation differentiating different viewshed classes based on the visibility of other network nodes in each area.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the steps of determining a geographical area to be covered in the future, and selecting a target position for a new network node based on customer parameters and/or connection parameters.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein said customer parameters comprise a customer penetration within a one hop distance of said new network node, and wherein said connection parameters comprise at least one of an access capability to an operator network and/or a fixed network, an antenna installation height, and a transmission power level.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 27 , further comprising the steps of determining a node capacities based on the amount of network traffic, and deciding on the creation of a new network node or the movement of a customer to a neighbouring network node if said determined node capacity exceeds a predetermined upper limit.  
     
     
         30 . A method according to  27 , further comprising the step of optimising the frequency usage of said wireless network so as to achieve minimum antenna installation heights and transmission powers.  
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said combined coverage area is calculated as a polygon.  
     
     
         32 . A system for planning an expansion of a constantly changing wireless network, said system comprising: 
 a) a database for storing node parameters of networks nodes of said wireless network;    b) monitoring means for monitoring said wireless network by regularly reading node specific data stored at said network nodes;    c) updating means for constantly updating said database according to node changes determined by said monitoring means, said updating comprising updating new network nodes into said database; and    d) coverage determination means for dynamically calculating based on said constantly updated node parameters a combined coverage area achieved by the network nodes of said wireless network, wherein said calculation is based on a concept of finding geographical points having a line-of-sight to at least one of said network nodes.    
     
     
         33 . A system according to  claim 32 , wherein said network nodes comprise wireless routers.  
     
     
         34 . A system according to  claim 32 , wherein said wireless network is a wireless mesh network.